How a VA disability claim works (in plain English)

Almost every VA disability claim comes down to connecting three dots: a current diagnosis, something in your service, and a link between them. Get those three lined up and you have a claim.

1. Diagnosis — proof you have it now

The VA needs a current, documented diagnosis. A condition that bothered you in service but isn't diagnosed today is hard to rate — start by getting it in your medical records.

2. Service connection — what happened in service

You show the condition started in, or was caused or worsened by, your service. That can be an injury, an exposure (burn pits, Agent Orange, noise), or a condition caused by another service-connected disability (a secondary). For some conditions the VA presumes the connection if your service qualifies (PACT Act, Agent Orange).

3. The nexus — the link between them

The nexus ties 1 and 2 together: a medical opinion that your condition is "at least as likely as not" (50% or better) related to service. More on nexus letters →

Then: rating and evidence

Once connected, the VA assigns a percentage from the rating schedule (38 CFR Part 4) based on how much the condition limits you. Strong claims come with the evidence lined up: medical records (you have it now), service records (it links to service), and where needed, a nexus opinion.